Car racing sport events generally amalgamate die-hard fans, with a thirst for speed and driving skills, but who are the most popular NASCAR drivers? Every year, the Sprint Cup season draws millions of passionate race car lovers to the different tracks, all expecting to see their favourite drivers and experience the thrills of the high speed sport. Furthermore, NASCAR has been around for 67 years already, so the array of talented drivers they’ve brought to fame is quite large. However, we’ll try to keep our list short by focusing on the crowd favourites.
Now while some people believe that being a race car driver isn’t really a job, we beg to differ, as stated in our previous article titled the top 6 most respected professions. In fact, the dedication and discipline that these professionals have shown throughout their careers is truly inspiring. So, let’s take a look at the most popular NASCAR drivers and how they reached their current status.
6. Junior Johnson
One of the old-timers amongst NASCAR’s favourite, the 83 year old Junior Johnson enjoyed the highlights of his career during the 50’s and 60’s. After winning 50 races, and earning 121 top-five positions out of the 313 races he participated in, Johnson was inducted into the Hall of Fame and retired in 1966. He then went on to become one of the sport’s most successful car owners.
5. Darrell Waltrip
This gentleman is part of NASCAR’s finest and was inducted in the Hall of Fame after bringing home three Championship Cups and winning 84 races. However, his fame persisted after he retired as a race car driver, taking on the position of analyst and broadcaster for FOX TV. He also made headlines for years, due to his feud with fellow driver Dale Earnhardt, who died tragically in a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500.
4. Cale Yarborough
Back in 2008, Junior Johnson named this driver as the best in the entire history of NASCAR. Therefore, it should be no surprise that he’s also one of the most popular faces of the sport. What’s astounding is the amount of victories under Cale Yarborough’s belt: a total of 83 races, including four Daytona 500 wins and three consecutive Championship Cups (1976-1978). He also tested his driving skills at the Indianapolis 500, where he competed five times in open-wheel racing, landing the 10th spot in 1972.
3. Jimmie Johnson
While most of the gentlemen featured on this list so far have already retired from the race tracks, this talented driver is still very much active. In fact, he’s currently at his prime, having won five consecutive championships from 2006 to 2010, setting the bar for his competitors very high. His record wins and tenacity make him one of the most popular NASCAR drivers of the past decade.
2. Dale Earnhardt
One of NASCAR’s most tragic deaths, and fortunately the last one in the sport, Dale Earnhardt lost his life in the 2001 Daytona 500. However, he’s remembered as the second greatest race car driver, having won 76 races and a record of seven Championship Cups throughout his career. His fierce style and ambition earned him the nickname of “The Intimidator”, and he’s also largely responsible for turning the once regional sport into a nationwide entity, with millions of fans.
1. Richard Petty
If you’re called “The King” by fellow competitors and fans alike, it’s likely you’re the best at your profession. This is the case with Richard Petty, who ties with Earnhardt for the record seven NASCAR Championship Cup wins, and also set the record of seven Daytona 500 victories. With 200 total races won and 27 victories in the 1967 season, he’s earned his legendary status and our peak position amongst the most popular NASCAR drivers ever.
